The Fall 2013 Newsletter is now available!

The Fall 2013 edition of Odyssey House News is now available! Read about our recovery month events, how our corporate partners are supporting recovery, and more. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook wall. If you'd like to receive a copy in the mail, please email your contact information to info(at)odysseyhouseinc.org.

Save the date: "Home" exhibition opens on Dec. 12th

“Home,” the seventh exhibition by members of Odyssey House Art Project, opens on Thursday, December 12th. Please join us for a festive reception with great food, hot apple cider and more, while you view exciting new artwork by our clients.

Odyssey House Haven Art Gallery

Thursday, December 12, 4 - 7 pm

239 E. 121st St, New York, NY

RSVP!

This year’s show explores “Home” as a place where we reside spiritually, physically and psychologically. Developing a new vision of “Home” is central to a strong recovery. Reaching a place of security and well-being within themselves prepares our clients to complete treatment and craft a functional and socially responsible life.

Check out a sneak preview of the artwork here.

Marathon team runs for recovery

Completing the New York City marathon is no small accomplishment, especially for men and women who have been battling substance use disorders. This year’s marathon team was our largest ever: 45 Odyssey House residents, alumni, staff and supporters. In addition, more than 50 Odyssey House staff and clients cheered the runners on from the Mile 19 water station.

In the week leading up to the marathon, News 12 Bronx profiled the Odyssey House team. The segment offered a behind the scenes look into the treatment and training regimens of our runners and how running helped one of our residents beat the odds and change his life.

Odyssey House resident Timothy credits his participation in the Odyssey House marathon team with helping him through the treatment process. “I’ve been running from my problems for basically all my life and now it’s like I’m running towards a solution,” he said.

Congratulations to everyone who completed the 2013 Marathon and a big thank you to those of you who contributed to John Tavolacci’s fundraising campaign and helped him reach his goal!

Run for Your Life celebrates recovery for eighth consecutive year

More than 1,000 people came out to Icahn Stadium on September 28th to show their support for men and women in treatment for substance use and mental health disorders at the 8th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk. WPIX reporter Jay Dow emceed the event, which also featured fitness competitions, zumba lessons, children’s races and activities, and the presentation of the CASAC of the Year Award to Milton Slaughter, coordinator of residential admissions at Odyssey House.

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, though unable to attend, sent a message of support: “For nearly 50 years, Odyssey House has provided invaluable support to those suffering from mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and HIV/AIDS by providing therapy and health services, housing, vocational training, and more. As people from across the five boroughs come together to recognize National Recovery Month, we applaud Odyssey House and all those associated with it for their unwavering dedication to individuals and families in need, and together, we look forward to building a stronger, healthier future for us all.”

Participants included clients from other NYC-based treatment agencies, friends and family of people in recovery, as well as representatives from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and our corporate partners. Thank you to everyone for making Run for Your Life such a successful event!

Celebrate recovery month on Saturday!

The Odyssey House Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk is only 4 days away! Register today and show your support for individuals and families in recovery. 

Run for Your Life is more than just a race. Join us for a variety of family-friendly activities: 

• Zumba demonstrations 
• Children's races & games 
• Wellness booth and more! 

Register Now!

I can't make it but would like to support recovery. 

Run for Your Life is a National Recovery Month event in support of men and women in recovery from substance use disorders. This event increases awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders, and promotes the message that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover. 

This year's Recovery Month theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery: Together on Pathways to Wellness," emphasizes that there are many unique ways people can prevent behavioral health issues, seek treatment, and sustain recovery. The theme also highlights the importance of mental, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as the value of family, friends, and community members throughout the recovery journey. 

Thank you for supporting recovery. We look forward to seeing you there!